The Evangel Christian School boys’ and girls’ basketball teams each won a championship Feb. 13 at the Alabama Christian Sports Conference basketball tournament at Samford University’s Seibert Hall.

BOYS

Evangel Christian 64, Tuscaloosa Home Educators 41

Evangel jumped to an early 18-7 lead at the end of the first quarter and led 37-16 by halftime. The Lightning’s pressure defense was the difference, forcing 11 first-half turnovers.

For the two games, semifinals and finals, Evangel forced 36 turnovers while playing primarily a six-man rotation and two games in one day.

“The improvement this team has shown from October to now is remarkable,” said Evangel coach Todd Parker. “That the kids were willing and able to adapt to a new coach with a different philosophy and expectations in one brief season is a testament to the players’ commitment to do the best they could with the talents God has given them. I am very proud of them.”

J.R. Coronado, who was named the ACSC tournament’s most valuable player, led the Lightning (21-2) with 24 points, 20 rebounds and five blocked shots. Hunter Burridge added 14 points. Aaron Walker chipped in 11 points. DaJon Townson, who was named to the all-tournament team, added nine points and six steals.

Evangel defeated The Rock School 62-37 in the semifinals. DaJon Townson and J.R. Coronado led the way with 21 and 20 points, respectively.

GIRLS

Evangel Christian 65, Evangel Family Christian 29

Abby Letson and Taylor Grammer scored 21 points each to lead the Lightning (18-1) to the girls’ championship. Letson led Evangel, which had a 56-20 lead entering the fourth quarter, with 10 rebounds.

Letson led Evangel with 18 points in the Lightning’s 56-23 win over the Tuscaloosa Home Educators in the semifinals. Rainey Ketcham added 14 points and Grammer chipped in 10 points.